It has been quite the week in third grade. Students completed their first round of PARCC testing (English/Language Arts), and did a fabulous job! I was very proud to see most students putting in their best effort and taking on challenges. When third graders were not in testing mode, we were working on solving area and perimeter math problems and planning a class trip to Hawaii! Before the PARCC assessment began, third graders spent some time on Monday writing letters of motivation to one another. This being the first year students participate in state testing, a few were understandably nervous about what was to come. Before taking the assessment on Tuesday, third graders opened their letters and read the positive messages classmates had written. The letters not only motivated students to rock the test, but also demonstrated the sense of community our class has developed throughout the school year. Math this week was centered on understanding the difference between area and perimeter, and how to find each when given a specific shape. Students utilized a variety of tools throughout this process. Base ten blocks and rulers were classroom favorites! We will continue with this work next week, specifically focusing on finding the area and perimeter when a side length is missing or the shape is irregular. Social studies this week was centered on our study of the Western states. Third graders were given a scenario in which our class had won a trip to Hawaii. Some students were sad to learn that the trip was just pretend, but were excited to plan it anyway! Third graders broke up into groups of 3-4 and were given a budget of $400. Their task was to plan visits to 4 Hawaiian Islands, with 3 excursions each day. They could not go over budget and had to ensure that the excursions would be fun. When complete, groups presented their itineraries to the class, and students voted on which sounded the most fun. The lesson was a success, and many third graders now have their hearts set on a Hawaiian vacation… Sorry parents! Next week, third graders will participate in the PARCC Mathematics assessment. We will begin on Monday and end on Thursday. Third graders know to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy foods, and bring two snacks to school on testing days (and everyday, for that matter). Important Reminders:
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Mrs. Minatta is a third grade teacher at Cottonwood Creek Elementary. See and read all about what third graders are up to throughout the school year! Archives
March 2021
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